A new age for the house
Duffus Estate history includes the building of Duffus House. It was built by James Sutherland, then Lord Duffus, when the rapidly subsiding Duffus Castle became uninhabitable. It is thought that stone from Duffus Castle was used in the construction of the house. Until the 1930’s, Duffus House remained the historic seat of the Dunbar family. It was used as either a principle home or as a holiday retreat.
History
With ever increasing running costs, an opportunity presented itself to the Dunbar family. Kurt Hahn, an exiled German educator was seeking a property in which to start a school. Due to Kurt Hahn’s links with the then Prime Minister, Ramsay MacDonald (born in Lossiemouth), Moray was suggested as a possible location. As a result, in 1934 Gordonstoun School was founded and the Dunbar family moved out of Duffus House, further down the drive into The Old Manse.
The school remained in Duffus House until the start of World War Two. At this point the house was taken over for use as army barracks and the school relocated to Wales. The foundations of various nissan huts and army buildings can still be seen in the policy woods. After the war, Gordonstoun School returned to what is now the main campus, neighbouring Duffus Estate. Duffus House continued to be let to the school as a boys boarding house until 2017, with Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh, a former resident.
The Dunbar Family
The Dunbar family have been in Duffus since the late 1600’s after Sir William Dunbar of Northfield was granted the Baronetcy of Nova Scotia by the King William III in April 1700. The 12th baronet and current owner of Duffus Estate, Sir Edward Dunbar, inherited the Estate from his father, Sir Archibald, in 2015.
Ed, a Chartered Surveyor, manages the Estate together with his wife, Caroline. They have two teenage children, Isla and Samuel. Many of their ancestors are buried in the family tomb at St Peters Kirk, by Duffus.
The Future
In August 2017 the family, and Duffus House, entered a new phase in its history when the lease to Gordonstoun School finished.
Due to the economic challenges of recent years our initial plans to redevelop Duffus House have had to change. We are now excited to be opening a campsite within the grounds of Duffus House in 2025. This is a new chapter in Duffus Estate history.
Our Ethos
People, specifically our staff and guests, are at the core of our business and we want both to feel valued and happy.
